Here we are, already in August, how quickly that happens!!! I hope you’re enjoying your summer, the long hot days, and the wonderfully warm nights too. I hope you’ve had amazing adventures with your family and friends, I know I’ve had some amazing times with new friends in the wilderness, and enjoying time exploring locally. I even had the opportunity to foster an energetic kitten for a little bit while he recovered and learned how cushy life can be indoors.

I know we’re only in early August here, but I know some of kiddos are getting ready to go back to school, parents are rejoicing, and the routines of ‘regular’ life will soon be back.

For me in photography, this is the time I start to look forward to the holiday season (and every year it never ceases to blow my mind! I’ve been doing this for 12 years, and every year, it’s “the holidays are only 4 months away! WHAAAAT?!?). I am beginning to think about locations for photo sessions, and I began thinking about some of my favorite locations around the South Bay.

I have lived in the South Bay of Los Angeles for over 4 years, and I fall in love with the Manhattan Beach pier with every shoot .

The pier itself lends for pretty architectural lines both underneath as well as while serving as a backdrop. Under the pier at sunset has some of the best lighting around, especially when the sun sets right through the opening….the reflections at low tide make for amazing details, and even in winter, the water lapping at your toes is incredibly refreshing!

I’m sharing some of my favorite images from previous photo sessions at the Manhattan Beach pier. If you live anywhere near, it’s pretty much a requirement to have your portraits taken there!

All images are owned by Julia Varga and are protected by National and International Copyright Laws. Please do not download, print or other wise alter or manipulate any images. You can not use these images for any reason without my permission. Thanks!